McLellan and his right-hand man, former Kings and Ducks assistant Trent Yawney, have put their imprint on the winged wheel in short order. “Our structure in all three zones (has improved), I feel like we’re just supporting the puck better,” Talbot told The Detroit News.

But McLellan and his assistant Trent Yawney have given this team a pulse. The mood around the team is upbeat and confident. A push toward the playoffs is still very much on the ra